Kobbie Mainoo has set his next career goal after earning an unexpected England call-up.
Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo was initially left out of the England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
However, Gareth Southgate changed his mind a few days later and the midfielder was promoted to the seniors from the Under-21s without anyone dropping out through injury.
It was unexpected but completely deserved for Mainoo, who has been excellent since breaking into Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
After such good news, Mainoo has now set his sights even higher.
Kobbie Mainoo sets target after England call-up
Speaking to the BBC, Mainoo said: “I think that’s the end goal for the season, to get into that squad. [For Euro 2024]
“But obviously I’ve got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that’ll figure itself out.
“I was shocked and happy [about the call-up.]
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, a pretty mad couple of days.”
Kobbie Mainoo should go to Euro 2024
Providing he remains injury-free and doesn’t completely freeze if given his England debut, Mainoo should definitely be in the England squad for this summer’s Euro 2024.
The Three Lions have plenty of talent all over the field but they aren’t blessed with great, defensive-minded options in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are two-thirds of a fantastic midfield but Southgate likes to have another conservative player in there as well rather than an attacking option like Phil Foden.
Jordan Henderson or Kalvin Phillips have fulfilled the role in recent years but both have seen their form plummet over the last 12 months.
Phillips hasn’t made the England squad this time as his struggles have continued on loan at West Ham while Henderson’s selection earned criticism after his poor performances at Ajax.
Mainoo is a much better option than either and should go to Germany regardless of his tender years.
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